Joseph Gordon-Levitt has come a long way since 3rd Rock from the Sun and in such a short amount of time. Whether it's been independent films, or big budget tent poles, Levitt is one of Hollywood's biggest stars and heartthrobs. Not to mention incredibly versatile with his roles, he's been in comedies, heavy action films, hard dramas, and even a noir film. Now Levitt, at only 32, moves above just acting, with his directorial debut, Don Jon (of which he wrote the screenplay, too) about a man, Don (Levitt in the starring role) who is addicted to internet porn and finds love in someone who is less than thrilled about his addiction (Scarlett Johansson) and how the addiction effects the relationship and his family who wants nothing more than for Don to find a good woman. Don Jon is coming out this Friday, so in honor of the young star let's count down his 10 best films throughout his already impressive career.
10) 10 Things I Hate About You
It's a cute romantic comedy that throws enough curveballs and breaks the generic chain enough times to make it enjoyable, Levitt and Heath Ledger are both what make this film so enjoyable.
9) Treasure Planet
Taking the lead voice role in this less-than-faithful adaptation to a beloved book, Levitt gives a great voice to Jim Hawkins to an incredibly fun animated adventure.
8) Lincoln
If you were able to stay awake throughout this movie you would be rewarded with Levitt as Honest Abe's son. While he doesn't have too much screen time, what little he does have isn't squandered and he's always a welcomed sight.
7) The Lookout
This horribly underrated gem is Levitt's turning point into a mature actor that audiences will be able to take seriously. It's high on adrenaline and a ton of fun to watch. Levitt gives a fulfilling performance to a movie full of suspense and tension.
6) The Dark Knight Rises
Although weaker than its predecessor The Dark Knight Rises is held up by incredible action sequence, superb direction from Christopher Nolan, and great performances all around. While Levitt's character felt like a cop-out (no pun intended) he provided a nice mirror character for Batman, and left us with one hell of an ending.
5) Looper
Seeing Levitt in aging make-up to make him look more like Bruce Willis has never been so exciting. Rian Johnson directs this superb sci-fi film with powerful performances from both Levitt and Willis with an ending that'll leave you scratching your head for quite some time.
4) Inception
Christopher Nolan gives it his all with Inception with an incredibly complex script, and brilliant characters. Levitt plays a fierce action star that firmly stamps him in to being an actor to be reckoned with.
3) Brick
This wickedly smart film is what put Levitt on the map. A complex neo-noir film from director Rian Johnson Brick is a masterfully told story with Levitt at the top of his game at such a young age.
2) 50/50
Emotional, funny, complex, and compelling 50/50 is a remarkable movie with equally amazing performances from Seth Rogan and Levitt who brings a ton of emotionality into their characters to make them feel fleshed out and real. It's a tear-jerker, and a must-see.
1) 500 Days of Summer
Forever one of the best non-romantic comedies ever made. It's a movie that could be watched for a 24-hour period and still never tire from it. Levitt and Zoey Deschanel give it their all in this heartfelt, offbeat, quirky comedy that has the best dance number in any movie.
Photo Courtesy of EPK